Best Southern American Restaurants in Knoxville

14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Knoxville restaurant

1. Tupelo Honey - Knoxville

4.7

Exceptional(2551)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 106 times today

Tupelo Honey in Knoxville is a beacon of Southern comfort food, where the heritage of the Carolina Mountains infuses every scratch-made dish. Celebrated for its authentic Southern flavors, patrons rave about the "best fried green tomatoes I’ve ever had" and the "fabulous Honey Siracha chicken and waffles." The restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition shines through in its generous portions and the use of responsibly-sourced ingredients. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that "brings family and friends around the table," making every visit memorable. As one happy diner put it, Tupelo Honey is always a must-visit for "always wonderful food" and an atmosphere that encapsulates Tennessee hospitality at its best.

2. STIR - Knoxville

4.8

Exceptional(627)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 64 times today

STIR in Knoxville isn't just a place to dine; it's an experience, especially for oyster lovers. Nestled in the vibrant Old City, STIR elevates the Oyster Bar experience with its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and a meticulously curated seafood selection. Guests rave about the "amazing and fresh" oysters, noting even the mild ones carry a delightful briny taste. The restaurant's atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails complement the high-quality seafood offerings, making every visit memorable. One guest enthused, "Been multiple times, and always enjoy the oysters and cocktails." It's clear that STIR isn't just serving food; they're crafting experiences.

A photo of Chesapeake's Downtown restaurant

3. Chesapeake's Downtown

4.7

Exceptional(988)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 19 times today

Chesapeake’s Downtown in Knoxville is renowned for its Grill cuisine, consistently delivering dishes that are both authentic and exquisitely prepared. Patrons rave about the perfectly cooked steak and delicious grilled shrimp, with one diner exclaiming that "the crab cakes were outstanding and the scallops melted in my mouth." This culinary excellence is matched by a charming nautical-themed atmosphere and top-notch service, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the freshly sourced seafood grilled to perfection or the prime-graded beef, Chesapeake’s Downtown ensures a high-quality, delightful dining experience that keeps guests returning. "Food was excellent. Large portions. Great service," sums up the consistent praise this beloved spot receives.

A photo of Lonesome Dove - Knoxville restaurant

4. Lonesome Dove - Knoxville

4.8

Exceptional(1987)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 23 times today

Lonesome Dove in Knoxville is renowned for its exceptional Wild Game cuisine, curated by the celebrated Chef & Owner Tim Love. Bringing a modern twist to the culinary heritage of the American West, the menu features exquisite dishes that transport diners right into the heart of adventurous eating. From the Buffalo Ribeye to the Rabbit & Rattlesnake Sausage, each dish is crafted with a level of sophistication that has garnered accolades from major publications. Diners consistently rave about the bold flavors and innovative presentations, with one guest exclaiming, "The Elk loin was the best thing I have put in my mouth!" This restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience, making it a must-try for those seeking high-quality and authentic Wild Game dishes in Knoxville.

A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville restaurant

5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville

4.7

Exceptional(1675)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 46 times today

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Knoxville is a beacon for steak lovers seeking top-quality Steakhouse cuisine with an authentic American twist. Praised for its "spectacular" hand-cut, aged steaks, the restaurant ensures every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, especially highlighted by a glowing review noting the "most tender sirloin steaks" a guest had enjoyed in a while. Amidst a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, guests at Firebirds consistently celebrate the perfect execution of steaks, complemented by an array of crafted cocktails and fine wines. Reviewers repeatedly applaud the restaurant for its "excellent service" and "well-prepared and flavorful" meals, making it a must-visit destination in the West Town Crossings of Knoxville.

A photo of Copper Cellar (West) restaurant

6. Copper Cellar (West)

4.7

Exceptional(356)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 12 times today

Copper Cellar (West) in Knoxville stands out as a premier destination for seafood lovers, offering a refined dining experience that boasts both quality and authenticity. With over 40 years of culinary excellence, this fine-dining spot ensures every dish, especially the seafood, is exceptional. Patrons rave about the "top notch" seafood selections, including delicious calamari, crab cakes, and perfectly cooked halibut. The reviews glow with praise, noting the seafood as "always amazing" and celebrating specific dishes like the "best prime rib" and "excellent" crab cakes. Whether it's the bustling $1.50 oyster nights or a quieter, elegant dinner, Copper Cellar (West) promises and delivers an outstanding seafood experience, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors in Knoxville.

7. The Marlowe

4.8

Exceptional(1479)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 11 times today

The Marlowe in Knoxville is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality American cuisine. Praised by diners as "consistently spectacular," this restaurant offers a dining experience that combines casual elegance with a metropolitan flair. Reviewers rave about the "terrific food with subtle flavors" and a "diverse and creative menu" that keeps them returning for more. The Marlowe's commitment to excellence is evident in its friendly, "non-stuffy" service and meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the best of American culinary traditions. Whether it's the "best crab cakes in town" or the innovative potato croquettes, every dish is a testament to the chef's creativity and passion for American cuisine. Join the many who have found their Cheers at The Marlowe, where the quality of food and service transforms a meal into a memorable dining adventure.

8. Balter Beerworks

4.7

Exceptional(57)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 1 time today

Balter Beerworks in downtown Knoxville is a Gastro Pub that excels in blending craft beer with scratch-made culinary delights in a vibrant, urban setting. Celebrated for its "great quality food" and "great atmosphere," Balter thrives on freshness and seasonal ingredients, ensuring every dish is a standout. Reviewers consistently praise the establishment, noting the "excellent service" and "relaxing atmosphere," making it a favorite in the Knoxville dining scene. Whether it's for brunch, where it's "always busy," or a casual dinner, guests are impressed by the variety and quality, with comments like "great food and quick service." Balter Beerworks not only offers a delightful dining experience but also an engaging social atmosphere, where craft beer lovers and food enthusiasts alike can revel in a truly authentic Gastro Pub experience.

A photo of Tavern at Maker Exchange restaurant

9. Tavern at Maker Exchange

3.9

Excellent(7)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 2 times today

A clever nod to Knoxville’s history as a maker city, the Tavern at Maker Exchange is the spot for enjoying drinks and noshing on fresh regional foods that encompass the spirit of Knoxville in a social and energetic setting.

A photo of Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly restaurant

10. Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly

4.6

Exceptional(14)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Knoxville

Booked 6 times today

Get an authentic taste of Southern Comfort at Marble City Kitchen, our casual and approachable downtown Knoxville restaurant in the heart of the city near Market Square. Then unwind at our Tennessee whiskey bar and beer garden, the Firefly.The bar features a partnership with George Dickel Distillery and offers the only hand-selected reserve barrel of George Dickel Whiskey in a bar in Tennessee. Crafted cocktails feature the reserve bottle and the rest of the beverage list highlights the best of Tennessee spirits and breweries. Live music and events are frequently hosted on the patio and make for a lively spot any night of the

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

J
Julia
East Tennessee •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Unanimously the best meal my husband and I had of 2024. We were seated on the patio on a 40 degree night, and it was perfectly comfortable. The pork belly “small plate” knocked our socks off, and the veggie pasta was outstanding. Our only regret was not leaving room for dessert, because that doughnut bread pudding looked BOMB. Didn’t particularly care for our server. He was easily distracted and kept repeating himself. A dinner for 2 turned into a 2 hour affair, but the biggest hangups were coming back to take our order and bringing us our bill. Could have been an off night for him, we’ve all been there, and it didn’t alter our experience to keep us from ever coming back.
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Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroPrice: Very Expensive• American• Knoxville
•
4.9
C
Cindy
Baltimore / Maryland •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was absolutely delicious. Everyone at our table thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Our server was delightful. Gave us the perfect amount of attention without hovering. We had a lovely view of the grounds from our table. A perfect evening!!
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The Restaurant at RT LodgePrice: Expensive• Southern• Maryville
•
4.9
V
Vanessa
Asheville / Western North Carolina •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very welcoming, attentive (one of our daughters has a milk allergy and the Chef came out to speak with her and discuss what options she had), the service and food was excellent. Our server Dan was exceptional and made our first experience at Ember and Elm very memorable. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience.
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Ember & Elm at Dollywood’s HeartSong ResortPrice: Expensive• Southern• Pigeon Forge
•
4.4
S
Sherry
Cincinnati / Dayton •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were thrilled with the experience! We had requested a table with a “pretty view” for my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday. It did not disappoint! Our server was perfect and the chef made a special dessert for the birthday… the food was hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared. We will go back!
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Song & Hearth at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and SpaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Gatlinburg
•
4.4
J
Jerome
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
It's definitely a must if you're in the area. Good down home cooking, friendly service, and tasty cocktails. I've been here multiple times and have enjoyed every visit.
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Southern Comfort - Westgate ResortPrice: Moderate• Southern• Gatlinburg
•
3.9

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Knoxville

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Knoxville

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Tupelo Honey - Knoxville

2. STIR - Knoxville

3. Chesapeake's Downtown

4. Lonesome Dove - Knoxville

5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville

6. Copper Cellar (West)

7. The Marlowe

8. Balter Beerworks

9. Tavern at Maker Exchange

10. Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly

See what locals rave about

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